Butterflies

Today, I was running an errand and while I was out I saw a beautiful butterfly. It was the type you would expect to see on a bright summer day. As I watched it fly to its new destination, I thought of the way that butterflies are used as a symbols. Being a person that is interested in literature and writing, I love symbolism.

I have learned in school that a butterfly was a symbol of freedom for Holocaust survivors.The reason that this is such a common symbol for them is because the butterfly represents new life. For Holocaust survivors, the thing that they wanted the most while in concentration camps was to survive and have a new life with the freedom that they once had. When a butterfly leaves the chrysalis, it is given it’s freedom.

Also, it is very common to see butterflies during a Confirmation in a Christian church.  During Confirmation Sunday, the people who are participating are confirming that they are going to continue to be a follower of God and Jesus. They are spiritually growing and will “fly away” with God’s love.

People make decisions and grow throughout their lifetime. They are going from the egg, to the larvae, to the chrysalis, and then on to being a butterfly in the great outdoors. This analogy represents growth of people.

Today, I am graduating from high school. In a way, my situation can be compared to a butterfly. I have been taken care of inside of my “chrysalis.” And now, I am being set free into the real world by my parents to start my new life and be free, like a butterfly.

Giving and Gracious

In school, we have been watching the movie, “The Blind Side.” If you have not seen it, I really reccomend it. It is based on a true story, which makes it even better. It is a very inspiring story of a homeless teenage boy who is given care and a home by a family. The main message of this movie is to be giving towards other and to be grateful for what you have.

As I am watching this great movie, I realize that people can be really selfish. I know that this is a blunt statement but I believe it’s true.I know that it is human nature to automatically think of yourself before others. But have you ever noticed that some people won’t even look at homeless people on the street? Do we really even know the stories of those less fortunate? I am not saying that everyone does this. It is just something that I have noticed.

I am not saying that you have to go and let a homeless person live at your house. I am also not saying that you have to give your whole paycheck to charity. You could do that, and I am sure that they would be very gracious for it, but there are other ways that you can help people in need. If you see someone that is homeless sitting on the side of the road while you are driving, you can give them a snack that you might have in your car. Also, you can join a church or an organization that focuses on certain types of projects that helps those in need. There are so many different ways of helping and even the smallest things can help.

“The Blind Side” is probably one of my favorite movies. The main character is so giving towards a young man that she does not know in the beginning. That is very impressive because that takes a lot of strength and trust. If you have the oppurtunity to see this movie, you should take the time to do so, and maybe it will be as inspiring for you as it was for me.

Bittersweet Transitions

“Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.”

-Arnold Bennett

Yesterday at church, my peers and I were instructed to go in front of the congregation to be blessed by our parents. This is the tradition for the senior class to do in the spring before they graduate. I have known these fellow students since elementary school so it was extra exciting to stand at the altar with them. We have always had a tight bond and have always been there for each other.

I had known about this special Sunday  for a few weeks. This was not a thing to get nervous about and it was supposed to be an exciting thing. As I stood next to these wonderful people as our parents recited a blessing to us, I realized how much my life is going to change in a few months. This next chapter has a lot in store for me including a different type of education, a new home, and new people.

I have realized that my life will never be the same. There are going to be some discomforts in the beginning of this new chapter in my life. I will no longer see these special friends of mine every week or get to talk to my parents in person every day. Honestly, this has frightened me.

After being very frightened for a few minutes, I realized that I have to get past the drawbacks and discomforts in this transition. Yes, I am going to miss my family and friends very much, but I have to begin the next chapter. As I am doing this, I will keep these amazing people in my life. I really want to emphasize that I am grateful and excited to go to college. This transition will bring wonderful things into my life and I wish the best for my peers.